National Creme de Menthe Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate this minty-fresh holiday than by indulging in some classic cocktails? Creme de Menthe, with its refreshing mint flavor, has been a beloved staple in the world of mixology for generations. Whether you’re a fan of its vibrant green hue or the smoother white version, we have 10 classic Creme de Menthe cocktails for you to try today. So, raise a glass of whatever cocktail suits you best, and let’s learn a bit about Creme de Menthe.

History of Creme de Menthe

Creme de Menthe, the luscious and minty liqueur we know today, has a surprisingly rich history dating back to the late 19th century. It was in France, the land of culinary refinement and innovation, where Creme de Menthe first made its appearance. Let’s learn a bit about the history of this delicious cocktail ingredient.

French Origins

Creme de Menthe’s origins can be traced to a small town in the French countryside, specifically the region of Burgundy. It was during the 19th century that the first rudimentary recipes for this mint-flavored liqueur emerged. However, it wasn’t until the latter part of the century that Creme de Menthe as we know it began to take shape.

One of the earliest documented mentions of Creme de Menthe dates back to the 1880s when it was initially created as a digestive aid – something we’ve seen was very popular around this time. The French, renowned for their gastronomic prowess, appreciated its soothing and refreshing qualities after a hearty meal. The name “Creme de Menthe” itself is a nod to its creamy texture and, of course, the predominant flavor of fresh mint.

Early Uses

As it became more popular, Creme de Menthe found favor in the world of mixology and cocktail culture. It was not only appreciated as a standalone digestif but also as a versatile cocktail ingredient. 

One of the most famous early cocktails featuring Creme de Menthe is the “Stinger,” a simple yet elegant concoction of Creme de Menthe and brandy. The Stinger’s popularity soared, especially in high society circles. Today, it’s still a classic cocktail that you can order at a bar.

The emergence of Creme de Menthe coincided with a broader fascination with herbal and botanical liqueurs in Europe. Around this time, we find liqueurs like Chartreuse and Benedictine coming into the spotlight, too. Creme de Menthe’s unique minty profile set it apart, of course, and it soon found its place with professional mixologists.

Moderne Creme de Menthe

Today, Creme de Menthe continues to hold a special place in the world of cocktails, with classic drinks like the Grasshopper and Creme de Menthe Frappe keeping its legacy alive. Its French heritage remains a crucial part of its charm, reminding us of its humble beginnings in the heart of French culinary tradition.

What Are the Different Types of Creme de Menthe?

Creme de Menthe comes in a couple of varieties, each with its unique characteristics. Let’s take a look at the key differences between the two primary types: green and white.

Green Creme de Menthe

Green Creme de Menthe, often referred to simply as “green mint liqueur,” is the more widely recognized and frequently used of the two. It’s easy to spot on the liquor store shelves with its vibrant emerald hue. Here’s what you need to know about this classic version:

• Flavor Profile: Green Creme de Menthe offers a bold, peppermint-forward flavor. It’s sweet but carries a refreshing minty punch.
• Color: The vibrant green color is either natural or artificial and comes from the infusion of mint leaves or peppermint oil. It not only adds visual appeal to cocktails but also enhances their minty aroma.
• Versatility: Green Creme de Menthe is a versatile liqueur, and it’s a key ingredient in many iconic cocktails, such as the Grasshopper and the Stinger. Its vibrant color makes it perfect for adding a touch of green to your drinks.

White Creme de Menthe

White Creme de Menthe, sometimes known as “clear mint liqueur” or simply “white mint liqueur,” offers a distinct alternative to its green counterpart. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Flavor Profile: White Creme de Menthe maintains the same refreshing minty flavor as its green sibling but with a slightly lighter touch of sweetness. It’s often described as “smoother” and “less intense.”
• Color: As the name suggests, white Creme de Menthe is clear, which means it won’t impart any color to your cocktails. This makes it a favorite choice for drinks where maintaining the original appearance is crucial.
• Mixing: While it can be used in classic Creme de Menthe cocktails, white Creme de Menthe is particularly well-suited for concoctions where you want the minty flavor without altering the drink’s color. It’s a common addition to clear cocktails and desserts.

How to Choose Which Creme de Menthe to Use in Creme de Menthe Drinks

The choice between green and white Creme de Menthe largely depends on your preference and the specific cocktails you want to create. Green Creme de Menthe offers that vibrant minty kick and visual appeal, while white Creme de Menthe provides a subtler, more neutral mint flavor.

How to Celebrate National Creme de Menthe Day

When is National Creme de Menthe Day? This holiday falls on September 15th and offers a great excuse to indulge in minty cocktails and desserts – we won’t complain about that! To celebrate this unique holiday, consider mixing up classic Creme de Menthe cocktails like the Grasshopper or Stinger, for which you can find recipes in the next section. 

Hosting a cocktail party with friends and family is a fantastic way to celebrate Creme de Menthe. To complement your celebration, whip up some minty desserts like Creme de Menthe brownies or ice cream sundaes.

10 Classic Creme de Menthe Drinks and Creme de Menthe Cocktails for National Creme de Menthe Day

These ten classic Creme de Menthe cocktails offer a range of flavors and experiences, making them perfect choices to celebrate National Creme de Menthe Day in style. Enjoy responsibly!

#1: The Grasshopper

The Grasshopper is a sweet and creamy cocktail with a refreshing minty flavor. It’s a classic dessert cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century.

Ingredients: 1 oz green Creme de Menthe, 1 oz white Creme de Cacao, 1 oz heavy cream.

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add 1 oz green Creme de Menthe, 1 oz white Creme de Cacao, and 1 oz heavy cream to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig or grated chocolate if desired.

#2: The Stinger

The Stinger is a simple yet elegant cocktail with a strong minty kick from the Creme de Menthe. It’s known for its clean and crisp taste, perfect as an after-dinner drink.

Ingredients: 2 oz Cognac, 1 oz white Creme de Menthe.

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add 2 oz Cognac and 1 oz white Creme de Menthe to the glass.
3. Stir well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.

#3: The Creme de Menthe Frappe cocktail

This cocktail is minty with a tropical twist, combining the freshness of mint with the smoothness of rum. It’s ideal for cooling down on a warm day.

Ingredients: 1 oz green Creme de Menthe, 1 oz white rum, 1 oz heavy cream, crushed ice.

1. Fill a blender with crushed ice.
2. Add 1 oz green Creme de Menthe, 1 oz white rum, and 1 oz heavy cream to the blender.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig.

#4: The Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate Cocktail

This cozy cocktail tastes like a liquid version of a peppermint patty candy, combining the warmth of hot chocolate with the coolness of Creme de Menthe.

Ingredients: 1 oz green Creme de Menthe, 1 oz white Creme de Cacao, hot chocolate, whipped cream.

1. Prepare a cup of hot chocolate according to your preference.
2. Stir in 1 oz green Creme de Menthe and 1 oz white Creme de Cacao.
3. Top with whipped cream.
4. Optionally, garnish with shaved chocolate or a mint leaf.

#5: The Original White Lady Cocktail

The Original White Lady is a refreshing and zesty cocktail with a subtle minty undertone. It has a citrusy brightness balanced by the minty sweetness.

Ingredients: 1.5 oz gin, 0.75 oz Cointreau, 0.75 oz white Creme de Menthe, 0.75 oz lemon juice.

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add 1.5 oz gin, 0.75 oz Cointreau, 0.75 oz white Creme de Menthe, and 0.75 oz lemon juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.

#6: The Emerald Isle Crème de Menthe Cocktail

This cocktail offers a taste of the Emerald Isle with the combination of Irish whiskey and the fresh minty notes of Creme de Menthe.

Ingredients: 1 oz green Creme de Menthe, 1 oz Irish whiskey, 1 oz cream.

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add 1 oz green Creme de Menthe, 1 oz Irish whiskey, and 1 oz cream.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig.

#7: The Absinthe Suissesse Cocktail

The Absinthe Suissesse is a unique and creamy cocktail with a hint of anise from absinthe and the coolness of Creme de Menthe. It’s a nod to classic New Orleans cocktails.

Ingredients: 1 oz absinthe, 1 oz white Creme de Menthe, 1 oz orgeat syrup, 1 oz cream, egg white.

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add 1 oz absinthe, 1 oz white Creme de Menthe, 1 oz orgeat syrup, 1 oz cream, and a dash of egg white.
3. Shake vigorously to create a frothy texture.
4. Strain into a chilled glass.

#8: The American Beauty Crème de Menthe Cocktail

This cocktail combines the vibrant minty flavor of Creme de Menthe with the smoothness of rum, creating a delightful and creamy sipper.

Ingredients: 1 oz green Creme de Menthe, 1 oz white rum, 1 oz cream.

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add 1 oz green Creme de Menthe, 1 oz white rum, and 1 oz cream.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.

#9: The Boozy Creme De Menthe Mudslide Milkshake

This one is a boozy milkshake with the refreshing twist of Creme de Menthe, making it a perfect adult treat.

Ingredients: 1 oz green Creme de Menthe, 1 oz Kahlúa, 1 oz Irish cream liqueur, vanilla ice cream.

1. In a blender, combine 1 oz green Creme de Menthe, 1 oz Kahlúa, 1 oz Irish cream liqueur, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into a milkshake glass.
4. Optionally, top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

#10: The Frozen Mint Brandy Alexander

This frozen delight combines the rich flavors of chocolate and brandy with the coolness of Creme de Menthe for a dessert-like cocktail experience.

Ingredients: 1 oz green Creme de Menthe, 1 oz brandy, 1 oz chocolate liqueur, vanilla ice cream.

1. In a blender, combine 1 oz green Creme de Menthe, 1 oz brandy, 1 oz chocolate liqueur, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into a chilled glass.
4. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder or grated chocolate.

Find Local Spirits and Creme de Menthe at Distillery Nearby

If you’re looking for a delicious Creme de Menthe, brandy, chocolate or coffee liqueur, rum, whiskey, or other spirit for your National Creme de Menthe Day celebrations, look no further than Distillery Nearby. Here at Distillery Nearby, we wanted to make it super easy for you to find local distilleries near you – that’s why we created our “by-state” distillery directory! On it, you can browse distilleries in your state to find one near you that’s worthy of a visit! 

So, don’t wait, find a distillery near you and find some delicious spirits for your National Creme de Menthe Day celebrations!